Hidden retail gems in Melbourne

You have to trek to the third floor of the historic Curtin House to find this independent bookshop – but trust us, it's worth it. Inside, you'll find a specialist range of books focusing mostly on the areas of art, graphic design, architecture, photography, fashion and textiles, popular culture, film, music and the performing arts. Don't pop the store name into Google Maps because you might end up in a back alley. Instead, hunt down the entrance to Curtin house and head to the third floor where this quiet escape from the city awaits you. 

Lost and Found has had a bit of a nomadic history with several location changes over the years, but it's finally found what appears to be a fairly permanent home on Fitzroy's Brunswick Street. The red sign hanging out front does little to clue you in about the size of the shop, which is essentially a huge cavern filled with vintage clothes, furniture, books and bric a brac. Prepare to step inside thinking you're just browsing and step out with arms full of retro treasures.

Based on its fairly unassuming exterior and location on the petite Greville Street in Prahran, you may be surprised to learn the history of this record shop that was established in 1978. Its guestbook reads like a roll-call of international music greats… the likes of Pearl Jam, Sonic Youth, the Beastie Boys, Henry Rollins, Radiohead, and Beck have all dropped by over the years. Nowadays, the record shop is a trove for rare finds like that ultra-limited release of the Kinks b-sides. You'll also find an enviable array of books, tour posters and hard-to-come-by paraphernalia. 

You're probably familiar with some of Melbourne's more popular laneways like Hardware Lane and Hosier Lane, but have you ever visited Crossley Street? This quiet and narrow road connects Little Bourke and the top end of Bourke Street, and it's home to some lovely boutiques like luxe jewellery company Sarah and Sebastian. Past the white-and-green tiled facade you'll find an elongated space with raw, exposed brickwork walls filled with metal and glass displays that showcase the brand's signature fine jewellery collection. You can also get your ears pieced here with the brand's 'Ear Alchemy' experience, where knowledgeable staff will help determine the best place for some new bling based on your ear's individual anatomy.

This is another Crossley Street jewellery gem, but with a distinctly different style. Think playful and ornate macrame friendship bracelets with plated metals and boho-themed earrings, necklaces and rings. You'll find funky statement pieces here like crocheted pieces and really big, chunky pieces with an array of colourful gems. 

Don't let the name fool you: this is in fact a toy store, but you won't find your average dime-a-dozen toys from a big box store here. Instead, you'll find limited-edition pieces that are aimed at collectors of all ages. Think hand-casted and hand-painted toys of fantastical creatures, resin action figures and dice guardians and charms. 

Most of the action in Fitzroy takes place on Brunswick Street and Gertrude Street, but tucked away on George Street is this design studio, museum and gift shop all in one. It's a great store for weird randomness – the sort of one-off finds that make great presents. Think David Shrigley’s ‘cocaine’ and ‘heroin’ salt and pepper shakers, a giant hamburger stool and decorative plates laden with obscenities. Look for the graffiti-covered garage door and step inside.

If you’re a city commuter, you may have unknowingly wandered into Flinders Street Station’s Campbell Arcade. With its salmon-pink tiled walls, black granite columns and Art Deco signage that has remained largely unchanged since the '50s, the space is less-than-sparkling but it's also home to an array of lesser-known shops that are worth a visit. Swing by Wax Museum Records for all of your hip-hop, funk, soul and jazz needs, work on your next zine at Tree Paper Gallery or Sticky Institute and grab a smooth flat white from Cup of Truth. 

Sitting pretty on the corner of Flinders Lane and Swanston Street is the historic and heritage-listed Cathedral Arcade that's located on the bottom floor of the famous Nicholas Building. Look up and you’ll see a leadlight archway that runs along the arcade, as well as a beautiful central dome that harks back to 1925, and surrounding you are an abundance of boutique shops. Shop eco-friendly and carefully crafted clothing by Lumi, retro pieces from Vintage Sole and relax with a drink from Cathedral Coffee.